The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is partnering with the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja in an effort to make Nigeria open defecation-free by 2030 through the Clean Nigeria Campaign.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev made this known when he paid a visit to the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama,
Professor Utsev emphasized the significance of the campaign in addressing sanitation challenges across the country aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving hygiene nationwide.
“The goal is to create a cleaner society and prevent waterborne diseases caused by open defecation, which contaminates our water bodies,” the minister stated.
“Water is life, and when it is polluted, it becomes a source of disease,” he added.”
Prof. Utsev noted that the campaign was officially launched in 2019 during a Federal Executive Council meeting, with Executive Order 9 signed on November 20, 2019, to enforce its implementation.
According to him, since then, progress has been made, particularly under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“With Vice President Kashim Shettima as Chairman of the Steering Committee, the number of open defecation-free local government areas has increased from 102 to 142. Notably, Niger State has become the first state to achieve complete open defecation-free status,” he added.
The minister highlighted the critical role faith-based organizations play in promoting behavioral change, emphasizing the need for churches to incorporate sanitation awareness into their teachings and community outreach.
“The church is a powerful platform for spreading messages that promote public health. By emphasizing the dignity of human life and care for one’s neighbour, churches can encourage their members to adopt better sanitation practices,” he said.
He urged religious institutions to provide and maintain sanitation facilities as models for their communities, while also engaging in public awareness campaigns.
“The federal government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, is ready to provide technical support to churches and faith-based organizations to enhance this campaign,” he assured.
On his part, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most Rev. Ignatius
Kaigama pledged the Church’s support for the Federal Government’s Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet” Campaign to end open defecation.
Kaigama, who commended government’s engagement with religious leaders, steessed that governance should involve direct interaction with the people.
He noted the church’s role in raising awareness and educating communities, particularly in rural areas, about the dangers of open defecation and the need for improved sanitation emphasising that open defecation contributes to waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and public health risks.
He noted that the church is committed to promoting hygiene and sanitation and assured that he would personally advocate for the campaign and encourage priests to incorporate sanitation messages in their teachings.
Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji
